Local high schools to host AdviseMI college advisers

Several local schools are among those statewide that will host college advisers this fall as part of the Michigan College Access Network’s AdviseMI program.

This program is in its third year and aims to help more students make it into college. Participating schools include the Academic and Career Education Academy of Midland, Bullock Creek High School and Academic Career Education, Coleman Jr./Sr. High School and Meridian Early College High School.

AdviseMI hires recent graduates to serve as college advisers in high schools with low college-going rates. They will work alongside school counselors and other staff to smooth the transition from high school to postsecondary education. Michigan high school counselors currently average caseloads of more than 700 students each, making it hard for them to provide one-on-one college advising or help students navigate the complex process of college admissions and financial aid.

“We’re expecting the third year of AdviseMI to be even more successful than the previous years,” said Brandy Johnson, executive director of MCAN. “These advisers, working in conjunction with high school counselors, foster a college-going culture and make a big difference in the lives of high school students by offering important insight into navigating all aspects of the postsecondary process.”

New advisers will complete an intensive four-week training this summer to prepare them for the 2017-2018 school year. Advisers will focus on helping students research various college options, retake admission tests, apply to colleges, complete the Free Application for Student Aid to secure financial aid and enroll in postsecondary institutions.